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Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus, part of the growing repentance remnant, cleansing as His Bride, getting ready for His soon return as our Bridegroom-----
Psalms 24:3-4 AMP
Who may ascend onto the mountain of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to what is false, Nor has sworn [oaths] deceitfully.
The Splendour of His Bride
By James Condon,
Commissioner Emeritus, The Salvation Army; Chairman, Australia Prays
Intention
To ready the Church as a pure bride for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture
“… that he might present to himself the church in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”
Ephesians 5:27
Reflection
Many a bridegroom takes a glance at his wife-to-be coming down the aisle and is overcome with emotion at the sight of his stunning bride in all her beauty.
In today’s reading, Paul writes about Christ’s intent to have a Church of purity that radiates and reflects his glory and holiness.
That purity begins with all of us individually. We must pursue holiness, which the author of Hebrews refers to when he writes, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
So, holiness and purity begin with us.
In Ephesians, we find a setting where Paul, from his prison cell, is addressing the Church in Ephesus. His listeners sit attentively as he implores them to live lives “worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). His words resonate deeply with his audience.
Then he pens verse 27, which conveys a profound message about the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Imagine a beautiful bride preparing for her wedding day. She takes great care to do all she can to appear beautiful without any imperfections in her appearance.
Christ refers to the Church as his bride in the same way. He desires to present her to himself “in splendour without spot or wrinkle”.
Paul highlights Christ’s deep love for and commitment to the Church, who willingly gave his life for her and continues to “nourish and cherish” her (Ephesians 5:25, 29). Christ’s ultimate goal is to present the Church radiant and perfect, reflecting his glory and grace.
This imagery in Ephesians 5:27 challenges us to strive for spiritual purity, holiness and righteousness, removing any blemishes of sin or impurity, just as a bride prepares herself for her groom.
And as the love and light of Christ shine from us, the world will turn to see and ask why.
May we be ready to share Christ’s love with them, as we purify ourselves for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, purify my heart. May my life reflect your glory and holiness.
I realise that many are watching me. I ask that others may see the marks of Jesus in me.
May my life impact others for the gospel. Would your refiner’s fire purify my heart so that I radiate love and grace to those around me, and testify to the transformed life you have given me.
Dear God, as you purify me and make me holy, may that be so for your Church.
As we set ourselves apart to be holy and take the gospel to the whole world, may many turn to you.
I offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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